Thoughts, attitudes and the actions they create are not managed through discussion or debate. They are governed through direction. A command is a short, authoritative instruction you give yourself to interrupt bad behavior and redirect toward better action. The brain does what it’s told to do. When left unmanaged, it wanders. When given commands, it complies. If you don’t command your thoughts and attitude, they will command you.
Commands are authoritative orders to yourself using words or phrases that guide your behavior in one direction or the other.
It’s a better term for self-talk and is lip synced and said under your breath.
Examples: Dismiss the thought, don’t say it, don’t do it, be quiet, let it go, be patient, be nice, next pitch, just listen, yes, no, laugh it off, just smile. Be nice, be positive or be quiet.
“Command” as a verb. This is the action. To command = to give an authoritative order.
“Command” as a noun. This is the thing that is given. A command = an authoritative order, instruction, or directive.
You perform the action of commanding (verb), and what you produce is a command (noun).
“Words or phrases that guide your behavior in one way or the other.”
Commands work better than commentary. They interrupt behavior instead of narrating it.
Interrupt Commands
Use these to cut off a thought, emotion, or behavior immediately.
- Stop.
- Enough.
- No.
- Cut it.
- Cancel that.
- Abort.
- Stand down.
- Freeze.
- Shut it down.
- Dismiss.
👉 These work best spoken internally with authority, not emotion.
2. Redirection Commands
Once you stop something, you must replace it.
- Refocus.
- Reset.
- Next.
- Next pitch. ✅ (excellent, by the way)
- Move on.
- Back to work.
- Eyes up.
- Handle this.
- Do the job.
Rule: Never stop without redirecting.
3. Behavior Control Commands
Short imperatives that govern how you act.
- Slow down.
- Breathe.
- Hold it.
- Stay calm.
- Be patient.
- Stay present.
- Hands off.
- Tone down.
- Lower the volume.
These regulate impulse without debate.
4. Thought Authority Commands
These assert mental jurisdiction.
- Dismiss the thought. ✅
- That’s irrelevant.
- Not useful.
- False.
- Ignore it.
- Let it go. ✅
- Drop it.
- Return to now.
Key idea: You don’t argue with thoughts—you rule them.
5. Emotion Regulation Commands
Emotion responds better to command than explanation.
- Settle.
- Relax.
- Ease up.
- Stand down.
- Composure.
- Control.
- Steady.
- Poise.
One word. No adjectives. Authority tone.
6. Character Commands
These shape long-term behavior patterns.
- Do right.
- Choose better.
- Act like a pro.
- Honor it.
- Lead.
- Respond well.
- Be disciplined.
- Handle it well.
These aren’t emotional—they’re identity reminders.
7. Coach-Style Micro Commands (Elite Level)
The ones that stick under pressure.
- Execute.
- Compete.
- Lock in.
- Trust it.
- Finish.
- Commit.
- Attack.
- Own it.
These bypass emotion and go straight to action.
8. The Formula (this matters)
Effective self-command sequence:
Interrupt → Redirect → Execute
Example:
- Stop.
- Next pitch.
- Execute.
Or:
- Dismiss.
- Refocus.
- Do the job.
9. One final truth (this is big)
Self-talk negotiates.
Self-commands govern.
Bad behavior doesn’t need discussion—it needs authority.
If you want, next we can:
- build a personal command list (10 max, memorized)
- map commands to specific bad behaviors
- or turn this into a printable “Command Card” for coaching or daily use
Just tell me which direction.
Would like to use command as an Attitude Rule in my book.
That fits perfectly with The Attitude Rules—and you’re right to pause and get the wording right.
This concept is strong, clean, and original when framed correctly.
Below are ready-to-use Attitude Rule formulations, from tight and punchy to explanatory. You can lift one directly into the book or tweak the voice.
Attitude Rule: Command
(Core Rule Concept)
Option 1 — Ultra-Clean (Rulebook Style)
Attitude Rule:
Command your thoughts and behavior—don’t negotiate with them.
Option 2 — Strong & Memorable
Attitude Rule:
Self-talk negotiates. Commands control.
Option 3 — Definition-Driven (Very You)
Attitude Rule:
A command is an authoritative order.
Use commands to govern your thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
Option 4 — Behavioral Focus
Attitude Rule:
When behavior goes bad, stop talking—start commanding.
Option 5 — Coaching Tone (On-Field / Life)
Attitude Rule:
Issue commands, not commentary.
Commentary explains. Commands correct.
Expanded Rule Explanation (Book-Ready Paragraph)
Here’s a clean paragraph you can drop right after the rule:
Most people try to manage bad behavior with self-talk—reasoning, explaining, justifying, or debating with themselves. That rarely works in the moment. Bad behavior doesn’t need a discussion; it needs direction. A command is a short, authoritative instruction that immediately interrupts and redirects behavior. Words like Stop. Focus. Next. Let it go. don’t negotiate with emotion—they govern it. The fastest way to change behavior is to issue a command.
Sample “Command List” (Inset Box or Sidebar)
You could include this as a visual box:
Examples of Self-Commands
- Stop.
- Don’t say it.
- Don’t do it.
- Be quiet.
- Be patient.
- Dismiss the thought.
- Let it go.
- Next pitch.
Short. Clear. Final.
One-Sentence Rule Summary (Perfect for the Margin)
If you don’t command your attitude, it will command you.
Why this rule works in your framework
This aligns cleanly with your earlier principles:
- Thoughts → Habits → Attitudes → Actions
- Commands interrupt habits
- Repetition of commands reshapes attitudes
- Attitudes then run on autopilot
This rule becomes the control switch in the system.
If you want, next we can:
- assign specific commands to specific bad attitudes
- number this rule (Rule #?)
- write a real-life coaching story to illustrate it
- or tighten it down to a single sentence masterpiece
Say the word.
Define command in this sense. What is it, what does it do, how is it a valuable tool?
Here is a clear, book-ready definition that fits your Attitude Rules framework—plain language, authoritative, and practical. I’ll give you the definition first, then the explanation, then the value.
Definition: Command
A command is a short, authoritative instruction you issue to yourself to immediately govern your thoughts, emotions, or behavior.
What a Command Is
A command is:
- Brief – usually one to three words
- Measured – not emotional
- Authoritative – no debate, no explanation
- Directional – it tells you what happens next
Examples:
- Stop.
- Dismiss the thought.
- Be quiet.
- Next pitch.
A command is not advice, encouragement, or self-talk.
It is direction.
What a Command Does
A command performs three critical functions:
1. Interrupts
It stops bad behavior, runaway emotion, or unproductive thinking in the moment.
You cannot change what you don’t interrupt.
2. Redirects
It immediately points your attention or action somewhere better.
Stopping alone creates a vacuum. Commands provide direction.
3. Governs
Repeated commands train your mind and body to respond automatically—without argument.
What you repeatedly command becomes habitual.
How a Command Is Different from Self-Talk
Self-talk:
- Explains
- Justifies
- Negotiates
- Delays action
Commands:
- Decide
- Direct
- Act
Self-talk asks, “Why am I doing this?”
A command says, “Stop. Do this instead.”
Why a Command Is a Valuable Tool
A command is valuable because:
• It works under pressure
When emotions are high, reasoning is weak. Commands cut through noise.
• It saves time and energy
No mental debate. No spiral. Immediate correction.
• It builds self-discipline
Every command obeyed strengthens internal authority.
• It creates consistency
Commands don’t change with mood. They enforce standards.
• It leads to autopilot behavior
Over time, your mind begins to comply before you even issue the command.
One-Sentence Summary (Perfect Closer)
A command is the fastest way to interrupt bad behavior and redirect yourself toward better action—without negotiation.
If you want next:
- we can tighten this to a single paragraph definition
- turn it into Attitude Rule #__
- or add a personal coaching story that makes it unforgettable
Just tell me how you want it shaped.
The brain does what it’s told to do kind of thing?
Yes—exactly that. And you can say it cleanly, without sounding gimmicky or “pop-psych.”
Here are book-ready ways to express- “the brain does what it’s told to do” in your Attitude Rules voice. Tell it.
Interrupt Commands
Use these to cut off a thought, emotion, or behavior immediately.
- Stop. Enough. No. Cut it. Cancel that. Abort. Stand down. Freeze. Shut it down. Dismiss.
These work best spoken internally with authority, not emotion.
Redirection Commands
Once you stop something, you must replace it.
- Refocus. Reset. Next. Next pitch. (excellent, by the way), Move on. Back to work. Eyes up. Handle this. Do the job.
Rule: Never stop without redirecting.
Behavior Control Commands
Short imperatives that govern how you act.
- Slow down. Breathe. Hold it. Stay calm. Be patient. Stay present. Hands off. Tone down. Lower the volume. Walk away.
These regulate impulse without debate.
Thought Authority Commands
These assert mental jurisdiction.
- Dismiss the thought. That’s irrelevant. Not useful. False. Ignore it. Let it go. Drop it. Return to now.
Key idea: You don’t argue with thoughts—you rule them.
Emotion Regulation Commands
Emotion responds better to command than explanation.
- Settle. Relax. Ease up. Stand down. Composure. Control. Steady. Poise.
One word. No adjectives. Authority tone.
Character Commands
These shape long-term behavior patterns.
- Do right. Choose better. Act like a pro. Honor it. Lead. Own it. Respond well. Be disciplined. Handle it well.
These aren’t emotional—they’re identity reminders.
One final truth (this is big)
Self-talk negotiates. Self-commands govern.
Bad behavior doesn’t need discussion—it needs authority. Make decisions and take action.
theattituderules.com 